BACKGROUND: Respiratory pathogenic beta-hemolytic streptococci in horses, including Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, the causative agent of strangles disease, Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus is an important cause of respiratory disease and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis has been isolated from nasal swabs taken from horses with a history of respiratory disease.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of respiratory tract infections originating from beta-hemolytic streptococci in the provinces of West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil.METHODS: During this study, 121 horses with clinical respiratory symptoms were sampled. After performing clinical examinations and recording clinical signs in special worksheets, sampling of the upper part of the respiratory tract was performed using nasopharyngeal swabs. The samples were sent to the laboratory in a standard transfer medium with cold chain.RESULTS: In this study, out of 121 samples collected from horse breeding clubs from 10 different regions of northwestern Iran, 51 were negative for beta-hemolytic streptococci while the results were positive for the other 70 samples (P<0.001). Regarding the positive samples for beta-hemolytic streptococci, the results of differential cultures were as follows: eight cases of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, 57 cases of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, and five cases of Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. There was no significant relationship between the frequency of beta-hemolytic infections with variables of gender, race, and geographical area (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the statistical test showed a significant relationship between the frequency of infection with these bacteria and the variable of clinical symptoms (P<0.001). Moreover, the frequency of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections was significantly associated with age (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The results herein suggested that the bacterial cause of the majority of respiratory infections in infected and sampled horses in the provinces of West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, and Ardabil at the time of sampling was Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and that this organism is a potential pathogen for respiratory diseases in horses in these provinces.

BACKGROUND: Poultry farming is one of the most productive and economic agricultural sectors. However, the bacterial contamination and the activity of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) as a potential reservoir of Salmonella in meat poultry farms can inflict direct and indirect damages.OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to identify the darkling beetles and their accompanying Enterobacteriaceae contamination in Isfahan chicken farms.METHODS: Darkling beetles were collected and identified based on their morphological aspects from different parts of 16 poultry farms (4 from each geographical area) in Isfahan Province, Iran. Then, 80 samples of darkling beetles were cultured on selective-differential media culture of the Enterobacteriaceae family using the homogenization and enrichment method. The isolated bacteria were identified based on physiological and molecular characteristics. Also, specific antisera were used to determine serological groups.RESULTS: The results revealed that all collected darkling beetles’ samples belonged to the species Alphitobius diaperinus (Col., Tenebrionidae), and from 80 microbial culture samples from the beetles, isolated bacteria belonged into 4 genera: Escherichia sp. (20 isolates, 25 %), Klebsiella sp. (8 isolates, 10 %), Proteus sp. (22 isolates, 27.5 %), and Salmonella sp. (30 isolates, 37.5 %). Among them, the Salmonella genus accounted for the highest percentage of darkling beetles’ contamination. In the serological assay, the isolated Salmonella were classified into two serogroups, A (23 isolates, 76.67 %) and C (C2 and C3) (7 isolates, 23.33 %), which the A serogroup was the most frequent.CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the A. diaperinus species was isolated and identified for the first time from poultry farms, and this pest, with a high percentage of Salmonella infection, is introduced as one of the reservoir sources of bacterial contamination in the broiler farms.

BACKGROUND: Protection from reproductive damage is essential in chemotherapy medicines for cancer patients.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the effect of curcumin on the structure of the ovary of mice after treatment with goserelin and cyclophosphamide.METHODS: One hundred and ten BALB/C mice with 3 regular consecutive periods of the estrous cycle were divided into 11 groups of 10 each. No medicine was used in the control group. The treatment groups were as follows: 1) cyclophosphamide, 2 to 5) cyclophosphamide with curcumin with a dose of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, 6) goserelin, 7 to 10) goserelin together with curcumin with a dose 100, 200, 300, 400 mg/kg, respectively. The luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of serums were evaluated using ELISA. Morphologic and morphometric of ovaries were assessed.RESULTS: The total number of follicles, primary, secondary, periantral, and antral follicles, in the goserelin and cyclophosphamide group, was significantly reduced compared with the control group (P<0.05). Cyclophosphamide and goserelin with different doses of curcumin showed a significant increase in the total number of follicles, primary, periantral, and antral follicles compared to the group treated with cyclophosphamide and goserelin alone (P<0.05). Curcumin (200, 300, and 400 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide, compared to the cyclophosphamide group, significantly increased the quality of zona pellucida (P<0.05). Cyclophosphamide and goserelin caused a significant decrease in FSH and LH (P<0.05). Cyclophosphamide with different doses of curcumin showed a significant increase in LH compared to the group treated with cyclophosphamide alone (P<0.05). Goserelin with a 400 mg/kg curcumin dose significantly increased LH compared to goserelin alone (P<0.05). The amount of FSH in the cyclophosphamide groups with curcumin increased compared considerably to cyclophosphamide alone (P<0.05). The groups of goserelin with curcumin showed a significant increase in FSH compared to those of goserelin alone (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin can protect the reproductive system of mice from the damage caused by the administration of cyclophosphamide and goserelin.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have investigated the positive effect of chitosan and nano-chitosan loaded clinoptilolite on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and intestinal histomorphology in different fish species. However, there are no data evaluating the potential effect of the composites on the fish stomach.OBJECTIVES: In the current study, the effects of chitosan and nano-chitosan loaded clinoptilolite on histological features and pepsin activity in the rainbow trout stomach were considered.METHODS: Chitosan and nano-chitosan loaded clinoptilolite were synthesized, and then two hundred and forty fish (~27.75 g) fish were distributed in eight groups each in three replicates. Ten days after adaptation, the fish were fed with eight diets, including control diet (CTR), clinpotilolite (T1), chitosan composites (T2, T3, T4), and nano-chitosan composites (T5, T6, T7) for 70 days. Afterward, all fish in each tank were anesthetized in clove extract (50 μl/l), and tissue samples were obtained for pepsin activity (n= 5) and histological assay (n = 5).RESULTS: The groups administrated with nanochitosan composites showed the highest pepsin activity (P˂0.05). Additionally, histological examinations exhibited a higher epithelial height, increased mucosal density, and oxynticopeptic cells hypertrophy in fish fed composites compared to the CTR group (P˂0.05). Meanwhile, nanochitosan composite administration could cause higher reaction of secreted granules to periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining.CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated the potential application of chitosan and nano-chitosan loaded clinoptilolite composites for improvements in the histomorphology and pepsin activity of the rainbow trout stomach, resulting in higher growth performance.

BACKGROUND: The effect of nanoherbal substances in the treatment of infectious diseases before mating or during pregnancy must be evaluated. Saponin has adverse effects on a pregnant mother and her fetal through complex mechanisms.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the toxic effects of saponin encapsulated by ferritin nanoparticles (Nanosaponin) on fetal lung development in female mice with Streptococcus pneumonia.METHODS: Extraction of crude saponin from licorice roots was done by the powder heating and using 20 % ethanol and diethyl ether. Then, n-butanol and 5 % sodium chloride solution were added to the aqueous layer. The mice were divided into five groups of 10 including control, pneumonia, pneumonia treated with ferritin, pneumonia treated with saponin, and pneumonia treated with nanosaponin. Then, two groups of untreated pregnant pneumonia and pregnant pneumonia treated with nanosaponin were separated. In this study, tumor necrosis factor alpha (IFN-γ), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), Methyl-CpG binding domain 2 (MBD-2), and kruppel like factor 2 (KLF-2) genes were evaluated in the maternal lungs, and TNF-α level was evaluated using ELISA method in the fetal lungs. Maternal tissue, uterus tissue, and fetal lung were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and maternal body tissue was examined by trichromason staining and Oxidative stress parameters were investigated.RESULTS: Nano saponin decreased the expression of IFN-γ (P<0.05) (P<0.01), MBD-2 (P<0.05) and HB-EGF  genes, KLF-2 protein level and TNF-α levels in fetal lung.The thickness of uterine myometrium and blood flow of endometrium increased the number of live embryos and the rate of successful pregnancy. In addition, Nano saponin effectively improved the oxidative stress response in the fetus without any harmful effect on the mother's liver tissue.CONCLUSIONS: The nanosaponin has no toxic effects on the sudy organs of the mother and fetus. It has therapeutic effects on the fetal lung development process after the infection of mother with Streptococcus pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a subpopulation of monocytes expressing Tie2 receptors has been identified, playing an important role in tumor angiogenesis. Selective depletion of Tie2-expressing monocytes in tumor-bearing mice can inhibit tumor angiogenesis. Some of these macrophages have been shown to be located near the tumor blood vessels, forming vessels in these areas paracrinely during the angiogenesis process.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the role of putative phosphorylation sites on Tie2 receptor in tumor- associated macrophages connected to human endothelial cells.METHODS: In this study, we used a series of Tie2 mutants. After transfection of tumor-associated macrophages  with these mutants, they were evaluated for physical connection using the surface plasmon resonance technique and by non-contact co-culture of these macrophages with endothelial cells.RESULTS: Mutation in the tyrosine residues 1106 and 1111 had an inhibitory effect on macrophage binding to endothelial cells, resulting in deterioration of the angiogenic activity of these cells.CONCLUSIONS: Tie2 receptor and its downstream molecular pathways such as AKT/PI3 have a role in the interaction of tumor-associated macrophages with human endothelial cells, directly (via physical binding) and indirectly (through secretion of factors affecting angiogenesis). This emphasize the importance of the molecular mechanisms of Tie2 receptor activation in the interactions of endothelial cells with tumor-associated macrophages and as an anti-angiogenic therapy for cancer.

BACKGROUND: Body condition and its relationship with inflammatory indicators in the transition period of ewes can be used as a key to prevent the occurrence of metabolic complications in this period.OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the levels of inflammatory markers and their relationship with body condition and energy status in the transitional period in Makuei ewes.METHODS: This study was performed on 45 female peri-parturient Makuie ewes aged 3-5 years with 2-4 breeding lambs. Blood samples from the jugular vein were prepared in three periods, 21 days before delivery, baseline (time zero), and 21 days after delivery.RESULTS: The mean glucose and cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different between the groups with low, moderate, and high body conditions. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were significantly higher in groups with lower and higher body condition scores (BCS) than in the normal group. There was a significant positive correlation between energy-related indices (NEFA, BHB) and the BCS of the pregnant and lactating ewes. The concentration of fibrinogen, sialic acid, and blood ceruloplasmin increased in the first three weeks and decreased after delivery. These indices significantly increased in relatively obese and lean groups than in the normal group during the study. The correlation of BHB and NEFA with sialic acid, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen was also reported in the study groups in the pre- and post-partum periods.CONCLUSIONS: Ewes with normal BCS (2.75-3.25) have a good energy status. Low levels of NEFA in ewes indicate that the mobility of fats is low, and the inflammation process is lower in the transition period of these animals. Furthermore, low BCS can be a predisposing factor for inflammation in ewes during the pre-partum period. This effect may be due to the increased metabolic requirements and compromised immune function associated with negative energy balance in the transition period of ewes.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is created by the connection between the mandibular condylar process and the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone in all mammalian species. This is a synovial joint and has a fibrocartilage disc. The joint disorders affect mastication, movements of TMJ, and mandibular functions. TMJ imaging can be evaluated by radiography; however, CT imaging is preferred, since the images have no superimposition and present more details of different structures and therefore show a more accurate evaluation of TMJ.OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide accurate statistics on TMJ disorders and to evaluate their prevalence based on CT-scan findings in dogs and cats.METHODS: In this study, 265 cases of cats and dogs (102 cats and 163 dogs) were evaluated. A total of 59 cases (38 cats and 21 dogs) had temporomandibular joint disorders. In this study, information on sex, breed, and age regarding TMJ disorders were described in detail.RESULTS: In the evaluated CT images, osteoarthritis, fracture, dislocation (luxation and subluxation), ankylosis, osteochondrosis, dysplasia, and osteomyelitis were observed.CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that although the total number of dogs was larger than that of cats, the incidence of temporomandibular joint disorders was higher in cats than in dogs. The most common disorders in cats and dogs were fractures, followed by dislocations (luxation and subluxation), and then osteoarthritis exhibited the highest frequency. In the next rank of frequency in cats, ankylosis and then osteomyelitis were observed. Additionally, osteochondrosis and dysplasia and then ankylosis were observed in dogs in the next ranks.

Gastrointestinal parasites are a significant challenge in sheep farming, and periparturient ewes are one of the most susceptible categories in sheep flocks. This study aimed to verify whether the injection of B vitamins at the acupuncture point governing vessel 14 (GV14) can influence the parasitic load or host parasite interaction in naturally infected ewes during the peripartum period. Four weeks before parturition, 25 ewes were divided into five treatment groups: (1) Dose Control: 0.2 mL of B complex via IM; (2) Drug Control: 2 mL Complex B via IM; (3) Acupoint Control: 0.2 mL of Water at GV14 point; (4) Control; (5) Test group: 0.2 mL of B complex at the GV14 point. Treatments were performed at weeks -3, -1, 2, 4, and 6 about the parturition time. Fecal samples to estimate the parasitic load by fecal egg counts (FEC) and total blood samples for hemogram examination were performed seven days after the treatment, coinciding with weeks -2, 3, 5, and 7 about the parturition time. The number of peripheral eosinophils was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p <0.05). Although groups 3 and 5 had lower mean values of FEC and higher hematological values at the time of weaning, these differences were not statistically significant (p> 0.05) according to the F test. However, all animals in groups 3 and 5 maintained low parasitism levels until the end of the experiment. Further studies should be performed with larger sample sizes and minor changes to the experimental protocol to elucidate the role of GV14 acupoint stimulation in the host-parasite relationship.

The presence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and resistance to beta-lactams in healthy sheep represents a potential public health risk. This study aimed to characterize STEC isolates in sheep feces for toxin production and resistance to beta lactam antibiotics. In the present study, among the 40 isolates, we found a predominance of subtype Stx1 (22/40), followed by subtype Stx1 + Stx2 (11/40), while the less prevalent group was Stx2 (7/40). Also, we found phenotypical resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics in 50% (20/40) of the strains analyzed, forming two groups, one with resistant isolates and the other with non-resistant isolates. The cytotoxicity of the isolates did not vary among the groups. In addition to having this characteristic, some multiresistant isolates produced significant amounts of toxins. This leads to the conclusion that the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance via beta lactamases are present in sheep STEC and that the cytotoxicity of those isolates is variable regarding such resistance.